Kristin O’Lear: The Battle of a Lifetime
Many women dream of their wedding day years before it happens. The dress, the flowers, the location and, perhaps most importantly, their loved one waiting at the altar. In all the wedding fantasies a woman could ever dream, no one ever imagines having to plan a wedding in three weeks because they’ve been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer and their fiancée...
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Robin Miner-Swartz: A Fresh Start
Robin sits in her office at the newly remodeled Marshall Street Armory building. For much of her life, Robin Miner-Swartz looked to the movies for answers. So, it’s likely that as an aspiring film critic when she landed her first full-time gig with the Lansing State Journal, Robin believed she had her happy ending. The End. But as we all know, life tends...
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Jordyn Wieber: A Magical Talent
Jordyn at one of her many weekly practices at Twistars. Jordyn Wieber: The name has become almost synonymous with gymnastics. As the standing 2011 All-Around World Champion — a title she achieved earlier this year in Japan — and reigning American Cup Champion, it’s not hard to see why that is. When you meet Jordyn there is no denying that, although...
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Diontrae Hayes: Stepping up in Style
Diontrae shows off her 10 Over the Next 10 award. November is the perfect month to begin decking ourselves and our homes as we prepare to celebrate in style. It’s also the time of year when family and friends gather to share traditions and make memories. As Diontrae Hayes prepares for the holiday season with loved ones, she reflects on all of the many things...
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Beverly Baligad: Bringing her Son Home Sweet Home
Every mother tells you that meeting her child for the first time was the most wonderful experience in the world. Beverly Baligad is no exception. Photos of Zachary fill Beverly's office. The story of how Baligad came to meet her son, however, is exceptional. Baligad was born and raised in Pearl City, Hawaii. A self-proclaimed wild child, her desire to...
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Catherine Lee: Business Her Way
When we met Catherine Lee she was everything you’d imagine a mother of three to be: warm, inviting, gracious and kind. She welcomed us into her home like family, asking several times if there was anything she could get us. Once we began the interview, it was no surprise that Lee truly defines herself not by her business, but by her relationships. “First...
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Lauren Aitch: Designing a Dream
There are a lot of things one might notice when first introduced to Lauren Aitch. At 6 foot, 1 inch, she is tall, but it’s not just her height that makes her striking. Her long hair and bright smile only add to her beauty. Her energy is contagious and if you happen to catch a glimpse of it, you’d notice a fairly unique tattoo on her wrist. The tattoo is...
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Cassie Alley: All Aboard The Grand
When Cassie Alley said, “anybody can row,” it was kind of hard to believe her. Coming from the mouth of a physically fit, retired Lansing Police detective, her fearless attitude surely makes rowing a cinch. But on a beautiful morning in June, Alley proved that anyone can row, and the truth is — they do! When we arrived for the cover photoshoot at Grand...
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An Impression on Education: Micaela Balzer
Photo by Lisa Twenter It’s not often that you have a conversation with a grown woman and in the middle of listing off her skill set she stops and says with great joy “I can make slime in my sleep!” But then again it’s not often that you have a conversation with someone as interesting as Micaela Balzer. Born to a single mom in Bolivia, Balzer and mom...
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Bob Hoffman: The Art of Being Nice
It’s the most ordinary of settings; the post-work commute. You’re merging onto the highway, traffic is at a standstill, you finally move your foot off the break and — someone cuts you off. There are your typical reactions: honk, shake your fist, grab your cell phone and dial the nearest contact to let them know the world’s biggest idiot is...
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Caring About Women Locally: Shari Murgittroyd
Feminist. Loaded with connotations, it’s a word some women might shy away from. Not Shari Murgittroyd. Feminist is a word she closely identifies with, and it’s a word that she believes, if more people knew its true meaning, they would identify with too. For the true meaning, Murgittroyd says to look no further than a dictionary. “I ask people to do themselves...
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Dr. Laura DeLind: Reconnecting Places and People
Photo by Jeremy Herliczek When asked who comprises her family, Dr. Laura DeLind began with the answer one might expect: her husband Doug, daughter Jody and son David. She then went on to describe a group she also considers her family: the staff and volunteers at the Allen Neighborhood Center in Lansing. “I find that neighborhood just fascinating, full of...
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